Public Information

Help for the Public

Oregon lawyers contribute more than a million dollars annually to the Campaign for Equal Justice, to help fund Legal Aid offices around the state and ensure equal access to justice regardless of economic limitations. In addition, MBA members and local law firms contribute approximately $40,000 with their MBA dues and activities, as well as hundreds of volunteer hours, to the Volunteer Lawyers Project, the Senior Law Project, the Nonprofit Project, the Domestic Violence Project, the Bankruptcy Clinic and several other programs. The Young Lawyers Section provides practical services and produces helpful publications, like the Domestic Violence handbook and Youth Faces the Law handbook.

Pro Bono Services

The Multnomah Bar Association cannot answer legal questions, provide legal assistance or refer you to an attorney. Please consider the following legal resources available in the community.

OregonLawHelp.org: Free legal information for Oregonians. Resources include downloadable pamphlets and lists of legal services available to the public. Available in nine languages.

Legal Aid Services of Oregon: Serves people with low income and seniors. Call the Multnomah County office at 503.224.4086 or visit the LASO website for more information or to contact a branch outside of Multnomah County.

Publications

There are a number of publications available for reference. Click on the following titles to view or download the PDF.

Youth Faces the Law: A Juvenile Rights handbook

This is an excellent resource for anyone who works with youth. It offers practical legal information for minors and resources available to them. The handbook is available in both English and Spanish.

Domestic Violence: A Guide to Your Rights

This handbook was designed to provide victims of domestic violence and service providers with information about domestic violence, available resources and victims' legal rights. The handbook is available in both English and Spanish.

League of Women Voters' Pamphlet:

Trial by jury is a right established in both the United States Constitution and the Oregon Constitution. Citizens who serve as jurors bring life to the constitutional right to trial by jury. This pamphlet presents a very general overview of a juror's role in Oregon state trial courts.

Community Law Week

The Young Lawyers Section Service to the Public Committee plans events for Community Law Week. This year's theme is American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters with events that will take place April 25-May 1. Local citizens are encouraged to celebrate their freedom as Americans and take part in several Community Law Week events designed to expand awareness of our laws, justice system and the role that they play in our lives. The events include Legal Information Booths and Tell it to the Judge.

Free Legal Information Booths

On Friday, April 25 from 1-5 p.m., a legal information booth will be available at the Multnomah County Library's Central Branch. Local citizens are encouraged to talk informally with attorneys and learn how to find legal assistance. The booth provides the public with general legal information and disseminate free brochures.

Tell it to the Judge

People will be given the opportunity to discuss their ideas, questions and concerns regarding our court system, face-to-face with local judges at the Multnomah County Library's Central Branch on Friday, April 25 from 2-4 pm.

The YOUthFILM Project - May 1, 6:30 pm

This is a student filmmaking contest where students compete for prizes by producing short films. The 2014 YOUthFILM Project will hold a screening and awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 at the Hollywood Theatre in Northeast Portland and prizes will be awarded.

If you have questions or comments please contact the MBA at 503.222.3275 or via email.